Frequency, Pattern and Management of Dog Bite injuries in Children in a Developing Country

Abstract

Aims: To collect and analyze data regarding frequency, pattern, and management of dog bite injuries in children so that it can be reported to health authorities to launch preventive measures plan against dog bite trauma in children and make sure availability of immunoglobulin and vaccine in proper quantity at proper place to prevent its misuse and expiry. Study design: Observational descriptive study. Setting: Department of Pediatric Surgery King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital Lahore. Duration of study: One year from January 2018 to December 2018. Methods: All patients with dog bite injuries admitted through emergency in department of Pediatric Surgery King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital Lahore were included in the study. Demographic data regarding age, gender, mechanism and severity of dog bite trauma and management recorded on detailed Performa. Results: During one year period a total of 445 patients with dog bite injuries presented in pediatric surgical emergency. Out of these 37.8% patients were admitted and 62.2% patients with minor injury were discharged on same day after proper wound management and vaccination in emergency department. Majority were males and most common age at presentation was from 4-8 years. Conclusion: As dog bite injuries are preventable so there is need to give education to children and families about preventive measures against dog bite injuries and proper treatment like immunoglobulin and vaccination. Keywords: Dog bite trauma, children, Frequency, management

Rabies in Pakistan: Policies and recommendations

“…Several hospitals in Rawalpindi city, situated in the Punjab province, report around 100 dog bite cases each month [4], with some government healthcare facilities attending an average of 50–70 individuals bitten by canines daily [5]. Annually, over 1.5 million cases of dog bites are documented, with a significant proportion occurring among children [6].…”